Overview
EN ISO 15615:2022 - "Gas welding equipment - Acetylene manifold systems for welding, cutting and allied processes - Safety requirements in high‑pressure devices" is a harmonized CEN/ISO standard that specifies safety requirements and tests for devices on the high‑pressure side of acetylene manifold systems up to 2.5 MPa (25 bar) (as defined in ISO 14114). It applies to components such as valves, non‑return devices, three‑way valves and pressure gauges located downstream of cylinder banks, but it does not cover high‑pressure piping, high‑pressure flexible hoses or pressure regulators.
EN ISO 15615:2022 updates and replaces the 2013 edition, aligning device design, testing and marking requirements with current industry practice and safety research.
Key topics and requirements
- Design and materials: requirements for materials suitable for acetylene service and for preventing unsafe decomposition.
- Leakage control: limits and test methods for external and internal gas leakage, including after acetylene decomposition tests.
- Pressure resistance: mandatory pressure resistance tests for high‑pressure devices rated up to 2.5 MPa.
- Acetylene decomposition: specific test procedures, vacuum minima and tolerances to verify device behaviour under decomposition conditions.
- Device‑specific requirements: additional criteria and type tests for non‑return valves, automatic quick‑acting shut‑off devices, automatic pressure‑actuated shut‑off valves, three‑way valves, stop valves and pressure gauges.
- Type testing and endurance: defined type tests (leakage, pressure, decomposition, reverse‑flow and fatigue tests) and trip pressure tests for safety devices.
- Manufacturer obligations: required instructions, marking (including device type) and documentation to demonstrate conformity and safe use.
Practical applications and users
EN ISO 15615:2022 is intended for:
- Manufacturers of acetylene manifold components and high‑pressure welding equipment - to design and certify safe devices.
- Test laboratories and certification bodies - to perform type testing and conformity assessment.
- Safety and maintenance engineers, procurement officers and workshop managers - to select compliant components and implement safe installation and inspection programs.
- Welding, cutting and allied process operators where acetylene ribbon, banks or manifold systems are used at pressures up to 25 bar.
Implementing this standard reduces the risk of acetylene decomposition, leakage and overpressure incidents and supports regulatory compliance across CEN member states.
Related standards
- ISO 14114 (reference for manifold system definitions)
- Other ISO/CEN standards governing gas welding equipment and safety (consult national standards bodies for cross‑references and harmonized requirements).
